What Chains to the Past Stifle Your Success?

Originally posted 2018-02-22 09:56:52.

Hi!

Have you been pushing forward; yet, it feels like something keeps hindering your progress?  The crazy part is; you don’t see roadblocks in your way.  All you know is that, there’s an invisible encumbrance blocking your path to success.  It really makes the grind hard.  Yet, no matter how difficult the road; you keep going; and, that’s great.

But, what do you do when It seems as though you’re dragging a steel ball; attached to your ankle by a chain?  You see success; you feel success; you grasp at success.  You haven’t quit; even though that heavy weight won’t seem to let you go.  Are you filled with wonder?

Are you screaming inside, “What is this?”

What is it that makes you stop; every time you finally decide to go ahead?  You don’t fault the people you used to blame; because, you cut them off a long time ago.  You’ve assessed the people you spend time with now; and you’ve surmised that they have a positive purpose.  Their places in your life are for your good; as is your place in their lives.

You can’t put your present delays on bad situations from the past; because, you got over them.  Or did you?  Could the ball and chain deterrent you’re feeling be your past nestled within your present?

What chains to the past stifle your success?

The other day; as I washed dishes; a thought dropped in my spirit.  I heard, “Rochelle, the reason  you have pushed so many people away, is fear.” “Fear of what?”  I thought.  The Spirit of the Lord said, “You’re afraid of being physically abused, emotionally scarred; or rejected.  Every man is not your daddy, or your children’s daddy.”

Now, today, as I write, I hear, “All so-called friends aren’t fake.  They all aren’t secretly envious of you.  Nor do people’s opinions of you define your God-given abilities.  Their stigmatizing throw-offs don’t dictate who you are; or who you’re yet to become.  Don’t believe the hype.  It’s not too late.  Failure is not your last lot.”

Those thoughts caused me to think on chains to the past.  They just started flowing and flowing; one after the other.  Kind of like a flooded river hurriedly spilling over into dry land.

Have negative words someone told you, years ago, about you, ever trickled over into everything you’ve done?   A person who you see as an authority figure, may say something insulting about you; and their words dampen your confidence.  I can relate.

When I was 17; I applied to an out-of-state university, that my boyfriend was to attend.  He was enrolled on a basketball scholarship.  My scholarship was based upon academic merit.

We drove to the university together to talk with counselors about majors, courses and housing.  At the time; my dream was to become a medical doctor.  During the orientation session, a pre-med school intake worker told me; “YOU DON’T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A DOCTOR!”

He didn’t say that I couldn’t attend the university.  I was already accepted.  But I let his deep cutting, put down stop me.  At that young age; I took a soft talking, over-the-top, pencil pusher’s words as truth.  I told my boyfriend; I was going home.  He decided to go home too.

Broken Dreams, Stifling Chains 

We drove back to Michigan; and I never told my parents why I didn’t want to go to that university.  That counselor’s words shattered my dream.  Those words, “YOU DON’T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES;” spilled over into every goal I started throughout my life.  Sometimes I pushed past those defeating chains.  Most of the time, I didn’t.  I unknowingly embraced those tormenting words, and allowed them to tie my hands.

My friend, stifling chains from the past show their attachment in various ways.  Let’s take a look at some of them; and ways to break them:

• Discouraging words that sting and stick with you for years.  For example; “You don’t have what it takes!” —- Realize who you are.  Recognize your strengths.  Know your God-given gifts and talents.  Go on; apply to that university.  Submit that resume; build that website.  Launch that business.  Start where you are; it’s in you.
• Childhood or teen experiences and traumas that made imprints on your thoughts of yourself.  For example:  Being called “ugly” by your dad as a child; or being a teenager with a boyfriend who called you names so you wouldn’t see how other boys liked you. —-Look in the mirror.  SEE your beauty. 
• Some children tease others; but they can’t take it when someone says bad things about them.  Were you one of those children who was on the receiving end of being teased? —- In elementary school; we used to call a boy named Gerard, “Herman the Monster.”  But, when they called me “pancake chest,” I cried.  This is too funny.  It took me to wear a 38 DD, before I realized, I had far exceeded having a pancake chest. —-Gerard is probably a fine man.  —- SEE your assets:  physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual.
• Daddy may not have liked you.  Mama may have called you stupid; or said that you made her sick.  But, God, loves you; and His Word let’s you know. . “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬  —-It doesn’t matter who has Ill feelings about you or your ways.  Remember what the Word says;  “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  Psalms‬ ‭139:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My friend, if you have any chains from the past bulldozing into your present; it’s  time to allow God to help you break them.  It’s time to experience success in EVERY area of your life.  It starts now.  Answer the question, “What chains to the past stifle your success?”  NOW BREAK THEM!!!   I’m so excited about our successful future.  Yes!  Yours and mines!!

Thanks for joining me today.  We’ll talk soon.

Blessings!

Rochelle